policies

ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY (Approved 3/20/21)

The following rules govern the access of records generated and maintained by the Quogue Library. The Quogue Library is an association chartered and governed by the Education Department of the State of New York.

The Library Director is the custodian of all Library records and serves as the “records access officer.”

Requests to view records must be made in writing to the Director. Written requests should include the name and mailing address of the requestor as well as a reasonable description of the records or information being sought.

The Director will attempt to respond to all written requests within five business days.

The Library will endeavor to provide either the specific record requested or a written summary of the requested information. Information of a personal nature, staff records, patron records, and records of a “protected” class will not be released except by court order.

If a request is denied the Director will inform the requestor in writing of the reason for the denial and inform the requestor of their right to appeal.

All appeals will be heard by the Board of Trustees at the next regularly-scheduled meeting.

BORROWING POLICY (Approved 3/20/21)

Residents of the Quogue School District and East Quogue may obtain a Quogue Library card by showing proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or car registration for example. Proof of residency must contain a street address, not a post office box number. Children under 17 require a parent or guardian to register for a library card.

There is no charge or fee to apply for a library card. On the day a patron applies for a card they may take out items. There is no cost for replacement cards.

Cards are valid for three years. Staff will update expired cards after the patron is asked to confirm that all of the information on the card and on the patron’s registration is correct and after the patron has shown staff an accepted form of identification.

All patrons in good standing may take out any item available for circulation at the Library. Parents/guardians may register to restrict their children, seventeen years of age or younger, to juvenile materials only.

Patrons may have 50 items out on their library card at any one time. Of those 50 items there is a limit of 3 new videos/DVDs. Library staff may choose to further restrict certain seasonal or topical items. A patron can renew materials that are not on reserve for another patron up to six times. Holds and renewals can be done in person, online or over the phone.

Library staff will contact patrons to alert them when an item they have on hold is available to be picked up. Once the library has contacted the patron they will have seven days to pick up the item. After that time the item will go to the next patron on the reserve list or back on the shelf.

A Quogue Library Card holder or other SCLS Library Member cardholder in good stead can borrow materials on the following schedules:

ITEM TO BORROW/LENGTH OF TIME OF LOAN

New Books14 Days

Fiction and Non-Fiction Books14 Days

Audiobooks14 Days

ALL New Feature Film DVDs & Blu-rays3 Days

DVD’s and Blu-ray7 Days

TV Series14 Days

Video, board and outdoor games7 Days

Museum PassesVaries

Note: Items from other libraries have different lending periods.

Materials are due back to the library by the close of business on the due date. Any materials returned after the close of business shall be considered returned on the following day.

The Quogue Library will attempt to inter-library loan materials that are not available in our collections. All loan periods and fee policies, in the case of inter-library loans, are determined by the lending library. Our patrons will be expected to abide by those rules.

Non-District Resident Circulation Policy

The Quogue Library is a member of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System (SCLS) and follows the SCLS Resource Sharing Code as established by SCLS and its member libraries.

Any borrower possessing a valid full service borrower’s card, in good standing, issued by any member library of SCLS may utilize the resources of the Quogue Library and borrow items through direct access.

With the exception of new materials, the Quogue Library agrees to make its full collections available through inter-library loan to other member libraries of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System under the rules and procedures as defined by SCLS.

FINES AND FEES POLICY (Approved 3/20/21)

The Library no longer issues daily charges for overdue items. If an item is damaged or lost, replacement fees will apply. 21 days after the final due date, an item is considered lost and a replacement fee will be reflected on the account.

That fee will equal the cost of having the item repurchased, reprocessed and returned to the shelves. If the item is one the library cannot or chooses not to replace the fee will be equal to the original cost of the item.

Accounts owing over $50, and past due over 60 days, may be contacted for collection of payment.

To pay materials lost or damaged fees, please visit the Staff at the Quogue library with cash, a check, credit, or debit card.

Once a patron has $50 worth of fees on their library card account they will be restricted from checking out items until they have paid the fees.

In certain cases, where special circumstances warrant, the Library Director, or their designee, may waive a fee. All fees that are waived will be documented.

CENSORSHIP

The Quogue Library believes that censorship is a purely individual matter and declares that while anyone is free to reject materials of which one does not approve, one cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of others to read, listen, or view materials.

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE POLICY (Approved 3/20/21)

Purpose of Statement

The Quogue Library Collection Development and Maintenance Policy document’s the philosophies and procedures governing resource selection and maintenance including public programs, exhibits, displays and public announcement postings. The policy outlines the objectives, responsibilities and standards that have been established.

Objectives in Materials Selections

The general objective in materials selection for the Library is to create a high-use, popular materials collection that reflects the interests and needs of the Library community.

Responsibility for Selection

Material selection is done under the coordination of the Library selectors and the Children’s Librarian. Selection is also initiated through patron and staff-driven requests that must fall within the criteria for selection.

Program selection is done under the coordination of the Library Director, the Director of Operations and the Adult and Children’s service staff.
The Library Director is responsible for exhibits.
The final responsibility for selection of resources rests with the Director, as authorized by the Board of Trustees.

Criteria for Selection

As stewards of the library district’s tax dollars, staff work diligently to meet and exceed the expectations and desires of our patrons.

Each year hundreds of thousands of books, movies, and other materials are published. Our staff make judicious decisions with regard to which of these materials will be purchased and showcased in our library.

Print and Non-print Materials

The general criteria considered in selecting print and non-print materials include: customer demand, significance and value to the existing collection; currency or timeliness, qualifications of author or producer; suitability of subject and style for intended audience; patron request; price; attention given to the item by reviewers and general news media; and technical quality of materials.

The acquisition of a variety of non-print materials is under constant evaluation and is subject to change as technology develops. Among the determining factors in selection are technological compatibility, item cost, budget, volume of requests, use and availability.

In selection of all items, consideration will be given to the work as a whole. No work shall be excluded because of specific passages or pieces taken out of context.

Electronic Resources

Electronic resources include digital media, subscription databases and the Internet. In general, these are computerized resources that are available for use in the Library and/or through the library website.

The Internet, which has been selected as a library resource, supplements and complements the physical collections in the Library by allowing users to connect to resources created and maintained outside the Library. Internet content is ever changing. Sites which appear on the Library’s homepage, are selected and recommended by staff or our SCLS partner staff.

Public access internet computers are provided with filtering software to limit access to web sites that contain information deemed illegal or that could be considered inappropriate as well as to protect against computer viruses. Use of filtering software, however, is not a guarantee that all sites which users might find inappropriate have been blocked. The Library’s Internet Access Statement is considered part of this policy.

The general criteria considered in selecting subscription databases, digital media and web sites for the Library’s homepage include: patron demand, significance and value to the existing collection; qualifications of the producer; suitability of subject and style for intended audience; ease of use; currency or timeliness; price; attention given to the resource by reviewers and general news media; and technical quality.

Selection of print, non-print and electronic resources does not constitute an endorsement of the content or views expressed.

Exhibits

Exhibits presented by the Library are offered to highlight library services, collections, community interests and programs. It is the intention of the Library to provide high quality exhibits to enhance the education, cultural enrichment, entertainment, and awareness of district residents.

The Library seeks to attract and inspire new and diverse audiences to the Library and to engage them with exhibits. Exhibits may reflect diverse themes, materials, and media. They may also complement current Library collections and services and reflect the interests, character, and history of people in the community.

Programs

The Library supports its mission of connecting people with ideas and information by developing programs for 21st century literacies and skills.

Library-initiated programs should provide “for the interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves”, as stated in Article 1 of the Library Bill of Rights. Because the community is comprised of people with different backgrounds, sensibilities, personalities, interests, and needs, Quogue Library will consciously try to offer a schedule of programs that balances a variety of elements. The content of programs will not be limited by race, nationality, personal history, sexual preference or orientation, political or religious views.

Programs will make use of the skills and talents of staff members as well as individuals and organizations from the community, region and beyond. All programs are open to the public, although some may be designed for specific audiences or ages. Fees may be charged for certain types of programs.

Library-initiated programming will utilize Library staff, books, Library and community resources, displays and media presentations. The Library draws upon other community resources in developing programs and actively partners with community agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions and individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. To reach target audiences, these programs may take place inside the library facilities as well as at other venues within the library district or area.

Requests from individuals to present programs are considered and weighed against the public’s demonstrated interest in the topic, budget, and other allocated resources as well as the presenter’s demonstrated qualifications, expertise and reputation.

Decisions on which programs to offer are made by the Library’s staff with oversight from the Library Director.

Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited. No products may be sold at Library programs. Programs are not offered that are of a purely commercial nature intended to solicit business. However with permission from the Library Director, authors may be allowed to sell their books as a resource to readers.

Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants.

Displays and Public Announcement Postings

Display space is a resource to be utilized in the fulfillment of the Library’s mission and as such should represent educational, cultural, information or recreational information. Individuals, groups and non-commercial organizations located within the Library district may display materials in designated areas within library facilities on a temporary basis, subject to the approval of designated library staff.

A limited amount of designated space is available for postings of educational, cultural or charitable events. Announcements must be approved by designated library-staff prior to their posting. Preference will be given to announcements of events in Quogue. If space permits, cultural or educational events in other areas may be posted.

The Library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of displays or public announcement postings.

SELECTION TOOLS

For library print materials, priority is given to vendor selection tools that also have the capability of loading and invoicing selected items electronically. Reviews may be consulted in professional library journals as well as in mainstream magazines, websites and newspapers to determine if selection criteria are met.

SCOPE OF COLLECTION

The scope for the majority of the library print collection is to be a popular and actively used collection. The Local History and Local Author collections primary focus is on areas within the Quogue and East Quogue area and are of more permanent value. Efforts are made to support local school curricula from preschool through adult learners. Presence of a resource does not indicate endorsement of its contents by the Library.

Collection Maintenance

The continuous review of library materials is necessary as a means of maintaining an active library collection of current interest to users. The library follows “Evaluating Library Collections” as outlined in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.

Reconsideration of Resources

Strong objection to any library resources must be made in writing according to the “Procedures for Reconsideration of Library Resources” below.

All individuals have the right to choose which library resources they will use. However, no one has the right to restrict this freedom for others. No print or non-print resource in question is automatically removed from the Library because of an objection to it.

Procedure For Reconsideration of Library Resources

If district residents wish to file a complaint about library materials, programs or displays, a letter or email with specific concerns should be addressed to the Library Director. The Director will examine the material, program, or display materials.

The Director will write a letter to the patron initiating the complaint, outlining the above procedures and stating the decision reached. The letter may also include a statement inviting the customer to the Library to discuss the matter with the Director.

After an interview with the Director, a patron desiring further action can make a request in writing for a hearing before the Board of Trustees who hold final authority.

Materials Disposition

When staff evaluates the disposition of a book or other item, we follow a process to maximize the return on investment for our tax payers.

A. Criteria for De-accession

Circulating and in-house library materials of all types (which include, but are not limited to books, magazines, audio books, DVDs, and games), may be candidates for de-accession if they meet any of the following criteria:

Currency:
- The content of library materials should be accurate and up-to-date. Materials that are superseded by newer, revised, or updated editions may be dispossessed

Usage:
Low or no usage may be a factor in de-accessioning decisions. Library personnel may consult circulation statistics or other reports to determine viable candidates for de-accession.
Physical Condition:
- Materials that are badly deteriorated, infested, or damaged will be disposed.
Duplicates:
- Because of space limitations the library may de-access duplicate copies of library materials. Library staff will take into consideration the need to have more than one copy of a title on hand, especially for materials that are heavily used.
Completeness:
- Materials that are part of a multi-volume set of which the library does not have all volumes may be de-accessioned.

Local Significance:
- The library will work to retain materials that are considered to have local significance within the library district with the exception of multiple copies or those in extremely poor physical condition.
Format Obsolescence:
- Materials in obsolete formats or in a format that the majority of the community no longer utilizes, may be withdrawn.

B. Disposition of De-Accessed Materials

De-accessed materials may be utilized in different manners depending on the physical state of the item.

Staff may offer de-accessioned items to other libraries or to other tax-exempt organizations as permitted by Education Law section 226 (6).
Library staff may use de-accessed items for deposit collections within the Library district, for programming, as giveaways at library-events or for other organizations within the Library district that have partnered with the library in the past.
Fully damaged materials may be disposed or recycled.

C. Review and Revision of Guidelines

Disposition guidelines will be reviewed-periodically by the Library Director.

Supporting Documents

The Quogue Library subscribes to the provisions of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association.

CONFIDENTIALTITY OF PATRON PRIVACY (Approved 3/20/21)

The Quogue Public Library adheres to the following guidelines concerning patron information in accordance with Civil Practice Laws and Rules, Section 4509.

No information regarding or including the following will be disclosed:

Patron’s name
Patron’s address
Patron’s telephone number, fax number or email address
Library circulation records
Borrower’s records
Number or character of questions asked by a patron
Frequency or content of a patron’s visits to the Library
Any other information supplied to or gathered by the library shall be given, made available or disclosed to any individual, corporation, institution, government agency or other agency without a valid process order or subpoena. The Library Director is the only person authorized to release any information regarding a patron.

The Quogue Public Library reserves the right to utilize its collected records while in the course of its operations and in cooperation with other public libraries in Suffolk County.

The Director may authorize the release of certain records to the parent or legal guardian of a library patron seventeen years of age or younger in order to facilitate the collection of fees.

FACILITY USE POLICY (Approved 3/20/21)

Designated Spaces Policy

The Library reserves the right to limit access to programs and the use of designated spaces designed for specific audiences and/or purposes. Limited use/access areas include but are not limited to the Children’s Room, The 1897 Library, The Zone / Tween Room, The Shinnecock Room, the Innovation Lab, The Conference Room, The East Lawn Terrace and the Trustees Board Room. The Director is authorized to develop and amend guidelines pertaining to the utilization of designated spaces.

Children’s Library

The Children’s Library is designed and intended for use by children, birth through 6th grade, and their parents/caregivers. All others should limit their visit to the Children’s Room to the perusal of the collection and the selection of materials.

The Children’s Activity room may be used for study or collaborative work when not in use for programming. Library scheduled programs take precedence over drop-in use and will require users to leave the space, or join the program.

The Zone/Tween Room

The Zone is an area for creative collaboration and gaming. The space is designed and intended for use by children ages 9-13. All others should limit their visit to The Zone to the perusal of the collection and the selection of materials. Help with the Promethean board and access to video games will be given by Staff as available.

The 1897 Library

The 1897 Library is designated for the quiet use of the Library. Conversation and the use of technology which makes noise and is used without headphones, is not permitted. All users should limit their visit to quiet perusal of the collection, the selection of materials, and quiet reading.

The Innovation Lab

The Library has designated areas of the Innovation Lab for several specific purposes;

Public-access computers and printers are intended for use by teens and adults. Head-phones or muted sound is a requirement of use.

The Promethean Board and collaborative workspace is available to all teen and adult users. This space may be reserved ahead of time by calling the Library and scheduling with Innovation Lab Staff. Only when confirmation is received is a reservation considered booked.

The quiet workrooms are available to all teen and adult users. This space may be reserved ahead of time by calling the Library and scheduling with Innovation Lab Staff. Only when confirmation is received is a reservation considered booked.

The Conference Room

The Conference Room meeting room is a collaborative workspace that seats up to 10 people.

The room is available to all library users on a first come/first served basis for a two hour-long use period. This space may be reserved ahead of time by calling the Library and scheduling with Library Staff. Only when confirmation is received is a reservation considered booked. Staff will assist with use of the Promethean Board as available, but tech help is not guaranteed. Users who would like to use the space for longer may be approved by Library Staff for extended use if no other users are waiting.

The Shinnecock Room

The Shinnecock Room is a public meeting room that can accommodate up to 80 seated-people.

The Room may be used for study or collaborative group work when not in use for programming. Library scheduled programs take precedence over drop-in use and will require users to leave the space or join the program.

The Trustees Board Room

The second floor meeting room is accessible to Trustees and Staff only

East Lawn Terrace

The Library’s tent area may be used for study or collaborative group work when not in use for programming. Library scheduled programs take precedence over drop-in use and will require users to leave the space or join the program.

Governance of the use of Quogue Library’s facilities and grounds

Library sponsored programs shall always have precedence in the scheduling of library facilities.
The use of staff office and staff only spaces is not permitted.
Smoking, the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages and the possession of any firearm or other weapons is PROHIBITED in all library facilities. ALL RULES OF THE POLICE, HEALTH AND/OR FIRE DEPARTMENTS AFFECTING USE OF PUBLIC HALLS MUST BE OBSERVED.
No food or beverages are permitted in the library without the prior approval of the Library Director.
In meeting-use, exhibits or displays may not be mounted to the walls. Easel or tabletop display is the only approved display method. Displays may not be mounted until the start time listed on the application and must be removed by the end time listed on the application.
Meetings of political organizations as defined by Election Law Section 1-104, Subdivision 3 and Education Law, Section 414 (1) (e) and electioneering within the Library are prohibited.
No individual will be permitted to use library space in any way or manner for his or her personal and/or private gain.
The Library Board reserves the right to amend these regulations in any manner it may deem necessary without providing advance notice.

FINANCIAL INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY (Approved 3/20/21)

The Board of Trustees recognizes its responsibility to the residents and taxpayers of the Quogue Library district to assure that the Library maintains an internal accounting and administrative control system that protects the Library’s financial resources.
The Board of Trustees will serve in an advisory and oversight role so as to assure that the integrity of the Library’s finances remain unimpeachable.
The Director is responsible for developing and maintaining a system of internal financial controls that will adequately protect the Library’s assets and funds. This system of control should involve the staffing and oversight necessary to assure its success. This system should address controls at the departmental as well as Library wide level.
The internal control system should be established in accordance with the Standards established by the New York State Comptroller’s Office. The internal controls should be periodically reviewed, evaluated and adjusted. The Director will report evaluations and changes in the internal control system to the Board of Trustees at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
The Library’s auditor will submit a written report on the state of the Library’s internal controls as a part of the annual audit.
Petty Cash Policy (Approved 3/20/21) Quogue Library will maintain an account of at least $250 to be used for small purchases made at the discretion of the Director. Receipts will be retained for all purchases made from the petty cash account and presented to the Board of Trustees as a part of the monthly warrant. The petty cash fund shall be replenished following the approval of the monthly warrant at each regular meeting of the Board of Trustees and may be raised or lowered by approval of the Board of Trustees.

PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT POLICY (Approved 2/11/12)
All purchases of goods and services are in accordance with approved annual operating or capital budgets, or amounts approved by the Board of Trustees of the Quogue Library.

Goods with a value of $500 or less per item per vendor in a year

Purchases of goods from any one person or organization in a year, which are expected to be $500 or less per item, can be made by the Library Director without written approval.

Services with a value of $500 or less per service per vendor in a year

Purchases of services from any one-person or organization in a year, which are expected to be $500 or less, can be made by the Library Director without written approval.

Goods with a value of $501 to $2,499 per item per vendor in a year

Purchases of goods from any one-person or organization in a year, which are expected to be between $501 and $2,499 per item, must be approved by either the Treasurer or the President of the Board of Trustees.

Services with a value of $501 to $2,499 per service per vendor in a year

Purchases of services from any one-person or organization in a year, which are expected to be between $501 and $2,499, must be approved by either the Treasurer or the President of the Board of Trustees.

Goods with a value of $2,500 or more per item per vendor in a year

Purchases of goods from any one-person or organization in a year, which are expected to exceed $2,499 per item, must be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Services with a value of $2,500 or more per service per vendor in a year

Purchases of services from any one-person or organization in a year, which are expected to exceed $2,499, must be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Please Note: Excluded are certain professions with specialized knowledge, such as attorneys and accountants/auditors.

Annual Audit

The Library will retain the services of a certified public accountant that will perform an annual audit in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and in conformity with the requirements of the New York State Department of Audit and Control. After the close of the fiscal year, the accountant will present the audit report to the Trustees.

Investments

The Quogue Library Board of Trustees will operate with the following investment objectives:

To conform with all applicable federal, state, and other legal requirements
To adequately safeguard principal
To provide liquidity to meet all operating requirements
To obtain a reasonable rate of return

Although an association library and not subject to General Municipal Law, the Library’s investment of all funds, including privately raised funds, will conform to the requirements of the General Municipal Law.

In accordance with the provisions of the General Municipal Law, all deposits of the Library in excess of the amount insured under the provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, shall be secured by a pledge of eligible securities or a pro rata portion of a pool of eligible securities with an aggregate “market value” equal to or greater aggregate amount of deposits.

GIFTS AND DONATIONS TO THE LIBRARY

The Quogue Library acknowledges the importance of gifts and donations to its growth and development. Gifts help enrich and improve the Library’s resources for the benefit of the entire Quogue community.

Acceptance of Gifts

Gifts to the Quogue Library must support the Library’s mission statement and be consistent with the Library’s policies, goals and objectives. The Library reserves the right to refuse gifts without explanation.

All gifts and donations become the sole property of the Library and may be used or disposed of as in the judgment of the Board of Trustees best furthers the mission of the Library. Once conveyed to the Library, no gift will be returned to the donor.

Restricted gifts will be accepted only if the specific use requested is consistent with the mission and goals of the Library. Restrictions shall not impede the ability of the Library to acquire gifts from other sources; shall not place financial or administrative burden on the Library’s resources and shall not subject the Library to adverse publicity.

Monetary contributions to the Quogue Library Society become part of the Library’s reserve fund and are used for capital improvements and the purchase of materials, programs or equipment not included in the normal operating budget.

Books or other library material offered by a donor to the Library are evaluated according to the same criteria that are applied to purchased materials. Those materials not passing the Library’s selection process may, if accepted by the Library, be sold or otherwise disposed of as best benefits the Library. Generally, the Library does not accept outdated informational books or textbooks, books that are musty or mildewed, annotated or in poor condition, periodicals, puzzles or VHS tapes.

Disposition of Gifts

The Library reserves the right to make the final decision on the disposition of any gift as a condition of the display of the donated materials. The Library does not have an obligation to replace or repair worn out, damaged or lost gift items or to keep donated material for any length of time.

Acknowledgement of Gifts

All gifts will be acknowledged in-writing by the Library Director or a Library Trustee. In instances where the gift is in honor or memory of a third party or individual, a letter will also be sent to the honoree (or family) to let him/her know of the tribute.

The Library does not appraise items for tax purposes and does not provide value statements to donors. Donors who wish to have an item appraised should do so before donating the gift to the Library. Acknowledgment of the gift will include a description of it.

PATRON CODE OF CONDUCT (Approved 3/20/21)

In order to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for reading, learning and other Library activities, Quogue Library requires all visitors to comply with our Patron Code of Conduct.

Engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with normal operation of the Library, or that disturbs staff or other Library visitors are NOT allowed at Quogue Library unless otherwise authorized by the Library Director.

Such conduct includes:

Harassing or threatening behavior.
Using obscene or abusive language or gestures.
Being unreasonably loud, including on a cell phone, as determined by a staff member.
Engaging in sexual conduct or lewd behavior.
Having a knife, gun or any other weapon.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, as per County Law.
Using alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs.
Eating and drinking in the Library.
Sleeping in the Library or on the Library’s grounds.
Making unreasonable use of the rest rooms, including laundering clothes and bathing.
Soliciting, petitioning or canvassing.
Selling any goods or services.
Using skates, skateboards, scooters or the like; indoors or out.
Bringing in an animal, unless it is assisting a person with a disability.
Damaging, defacing or misusing any Library materials or property. This includes disabling Library equipment, changing the hardware or software or settings on a Library computer or using a Library computer for a purpose other than that designated by the Library.
Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, state, local or other applicable law or Library policies.

Be aware that:

The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged on Library premises.
Visitors are not permitted to bring oversized bags or shopping carts into the Library.
You must wear clothing and shoes in the Library and your body odor must not be so offensive that it disturbs others.
Some items in the Library cannot be copied because of copyright laws, poor condition or donor restrictions.
The Library is not responsible for children who are left unattended on Library premises; please see the Library’s Unattended Children Policy.
Photography and recording are not allowed on Library premises without prior permission.
Users of library facilities

As a condition for the use of Library facilities, Library patrons, employees, visitors and community groups who enter upon and remain at the Library facilities agree that they shall be subject to these rules and regulations.

Failure to comply with the same shall constitute grounds for their immediate ejection and/or revocation of rights to enter upon Library premises and other action as deemed appropriate by the Library Board of Trustees. The Library Director or his/her designee is empowered to enforce these rules and regulations.

The use of Library facilities and entry unto Library premises shall be limited to employees of the Library in the performance of their duties and patrons and visitors to the Library facilities and offices for Library-related purposes such as reading, selecting, borrowing and returning books and materials, use of patron computer facilities and attendance at meetings and programs authorized by the Board of Trustees or Library personnel.

Any person who, while lawfully at such Library facilities, causes or attempts to cause physical damage to books or other Library materials, or enters into unauthorized areas, refuses to comply with the directives of the Library Director or other authorized personnel, willfully disrupts Library functions or programs authorized by Library personnel, damages, alters, mars or defaces Library books or materials, transports illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, firearms or weapons onto Library premises, shall be deemed to be a trespasser and in violation of these rules and regulations.

Enforcement of Code of Conduct

While the Quogue Library facilities are open, the Library Director or his/her designee shall be responsible for the enforcement of these rules and regulations. Any violation thereof shall be immediately reported to the Library Director or his/her designee who will immediately make inquiry of the facts and circumstances surrounding the complaint and who may thereupon either direct the trespasser to cease and desist the violation or vacate the premises.

Upon the refusal of such person to obey the directive of the employee, the employee is authorized and directed to make a complaint to the appropriate law enforcement agency and sign any information as necessary charging the violator with the appropriate violation.

The Library Director will make a report to the Board of Trustees. These same procedures shall apply when the Library is not open to the public and when the Library Director and his/her designee is not present and a Library employee observes such violation of the rules and regulations. Subsequently, such employee, at the first opportunity, shall make a written report of the facts and circumstances to the Library Director.

The Library shall indemnify and hold harmless the Library Director, his/her designee or any Library personnel, from any action, claim or proceeding instituted against such person arising out the enforcement of these rules and regulations.

In addition to all of the foregoing summary remedies against the trespasser and/or person in violation of these rules and regulations, the Library Director may thereafter, in his/her sole discretion, take the following action with respect to the following categories of persons:

Library patrons: Persons qualified for registration as a borrower of books and materials may have their privileges to use the Library’s facilities and/or services suspended for a period not to exceed one year.
Library personnel: Employees are subject to the provisions of this policy.
Visitors: Visitors may be subject to the revocation of their privilege to enter upon Library property for a period not to exceed one year. The Library Director may, at his/her discretion, notify other agencies of action taken.

Appeal Procedure

Appeals by Library patrons and visitors relating to the suspension of Library service privileges and/or revocation of their privileges to enter upon Library premises may be made to the Board of Trustees. Appeals by Library personnel subject to Education Law and personnel policies, to the extent relevant, may be made to the Board of Trustees.

Each person, not an employee of the Library, shall have the right to submit a written notice of appeal to the Board of Trustees within thirty (30) days of any action of the Library Director suspending borrowing privileges or revoking their license to enter Library premises. The Board of Trustees, or their designee, shall convene a hearing within thirty (30) days of submission of such notice of appeal, at which time and place the aggrieved shall be afforded the opportunity to present evidence, testify and cross examine witnesses. Within fourteen (14) days of such hearing,

the Board of Trustees shall render a decision in writing.

PETS IN THE LIBRARY (Approved 3/20/21)

For both health and safety reasons pets are prohibited from being in the Library or on library grounds. The only exceptions are “service animals” and animals as part of the presentation of a Library sanctioned program.

SERVICE ANIMALS (Approved 3/20/21)

It is the policy of the Library to permit “service animals” within the Library and on Library grounds in accordance with federal and state law and regulations.

The objective of this policy is to afford those patrons possessing a cognizable disability as defined within Section 292 of the NY Executive Law (subdivision twenty-one) (below) to present themselves within the Library accompanied by a “service animal” which is to be maintained within the immediate vicinity of the disabled person subject to the following conditions/restrictions:

Library personnel may require that the animal be removed from the premises if the animal is out of control or otherwise threatens the health, safety and welfare of staff or patrons and the animal’s handler does not take effective immediate measures to control the animal;
if the animal is not housebroken;
(c) the service animal is to be restrained with a harness, leash or tether unless the handler due to his/her disability is unable to effect such restraint or the use of such restraints would interfere with the service animal’s safe and effective performance of its work or tasks in which case the service animal must be shown to be otherwise within the control of the handler through such measures as voice control, signals, or other effective means;
(d) inquiry may be made of the patron who is accompanied by a service animal as to whether the service animal is required as the result of a recognized disability and what task(s) the animal has been trained to perform (the Library may not require documentation of any nature as to whether the service animal has, in fact, been trained, licensed, etc. to perform as such); and further the Library will not make such inquiries if it is apparent that the service animal is trained to perform the function of assisting an individual who possesses an observable disability (e.g. providing assistance with stability or balance to one who possesses an observable mobility disability; guiding one who is blind or possesses low vision; assisting the movement of a wheelchair).

NY Executive Law, Section 292, Subdivision 21

The term “ disability” means; (a) a physical, mental or medical impairment resulting from anatomical, physiological, genetic or neurological conditions which prevents the exercise of :

a) normal bodily function or is demonstrable by medically accepted clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques or

(b) a record of such impairment or

UNATTENDED CHILDREN AT THE QUOGUE LIBRARY (Update Approved 3/20/21)

For your children’s safety and comfort, the Quogue Library requires that all children below the age of 8 be accompanied and supervised by a parent or responsible caregiver while using the Library.
Parents or caregivers, not Library staff, are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children while using the Library.
The Quogue Library does not assume responsibility for the children’s safety or behavior when they are in the Library.
Parents or responsible caregivers will be notified if their children, including children 8 and older, are left unattended and require supervision. If parents or caregivers are unavailable, proper authorities will be contacted.

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